A video released on 13/7 showed the formation of Norwegian F-35A fighters flanking the aircraft carrying the players, coaching staff, and delegation members as it entered Norwegian airspace and approached the airport in the capital, Oslo.

The Norwegian national team received a hero's welcome after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, where they were defeated 1-2 by the England national team.

Oslo officials estimated that over 100,000 people gathered in front of the Royal Palace on the afternoon of 13/7 to greet the team. Crowds filled the square before the palace and stretched along Karl Johans Boulevard. After an audience with King Harald, the entire team and fans recreated the famous "Viking longboat rowing" display directly in front of the palace, with Crown Prince Haakon leading the drumming.

Following the welcoming ceremony at the palace, the Norwegian national team continued their parade through the streets of Oslo in a double-decker open-top bus.

The Norwegian Air Force operates 52 F-35A fighters and is the first partner nation to complete its entire F-35 procurement program. Defense Minister Tore Sandvik stated in 4/2025 that this fleet will help protect Norway's sovereignty and enhance control across all fronts of the country.

According to Military Watch magazine, the Norwegian Air Force is also the first force in the world to fully transition from generation 4 to generation 5 fighters, retiring all F-16s to operate F-35As.

The F-35A is a stealth fighter variant developed for the United States Air Force and its allies. This is the smallest and lightest variant in the F-35 series, offering much higher maneuverability compared to the marine corps' F-35B and the navy's F-35C. It is also the only F-35 model to carry a 25 mm GAU-22/A cannon internally.

Thanh Danh (According to Straits Times, Fox, Military Watch)